Controls Books

This is an excellent, if not comprehensive book for everything from TQM to Six-Sigma. I give it four stars for value and five for price. All in all, an excellent overview.

If this review was helpful, please add your vote -- Thanks.

I keep this book nearby because it serves as an encyclopedia of quality techniques that span the full spectrum, as well as a step-by-step guide to using each of the tools listed.

The entire collection of tools contained and described within are put into context in the first chapter that covers the continuous quality improvement story and its five steps - reason, current situation, analysis, action plan and results. Subsequent chapters are devoted to classes of tools: the basics (flow charts, check sheets, facts vs. inference, and how to construct tools such as Pareto diagrams, histograms, and control charts). Supporting tools, covered in the next chapter, include pie and bar charts, frequency charts, Likert scales and related diagrams.

Basic quality improvement techniques given in the next section go beyond just tools, and include vision and mission statements, group interaction techniques, problem classification and concepts. Among the tools are development charts, force-field analysis, checklists.

Advanced techniques, covered in the next chapter address process ownership, and some fairly substantial tools such as quality function deployment and Taguchi techniques, both of which are explained well in a surprising few pages.

The remainder of the book discusses quality improvement systems, such as JIT, ISO standards; and brief bios of Deming, Crosby and Juran and their approaches. Selected readings on various quality standards round out this book's treatment of the subject.

What I like about this book is the way a large number of topics and associated tools are thoroughly covered in a relatively short book. I also like the way you are clearly led through the construction and use of various charts, and how to effectively use tools in a step-by-step manner. This is clearly a useful introduction to quality tools and techniques, as well as a desk reference.

I am just learning about Continuous Improvement and the tools that are available to make that happen in the workplace. Our company is considering implementing a Six Sigma program and this book provides me with a related and large tool set to add to my tool belt.

This is a splendid volume. Harry Roberts and Bernard Sergesketter have written an excellent and helpful book. The great strength of the book is that the reader gets to apply the ideas for themself, not just in an "organizational fashion." Introducing the idea of a Personal Quality Checklist, the authors discuss how to manage self-improvement in a data-based way. In the process they dispense a good amount of useful wisdom about improvement, quality and psychology.

Strongly recommended. It is easy to build individual or team-based projects in courses based on the idea - and to give the students the opportunity to actually apply the tools they are learning about. And the best method of learning involves doing!

The late Harry V. Roberts and Mr. Sergesketter have written an outstanding book. Intended in part as an introduction for managers to how quality improvement programs FEEL for workers, it does much more. It is an introduction to systematic self-improvement for those looking for provable results.

The approach is simple. It starts with the "Personal Quality Checklist", an idea that goes back at least as far as Benjamin Franklin. The goal is to eliminate defects and reduce cycle times on repetitive personal processes. The means is systematic record-keeping. The personal processes could be brushing one's teeth, being on-time for appointments, maintenance of an exercise program. In other cases the focus might be on defects, such as saying "like" as an interjection in speech (as in, "I was, like, soooo bored, dude.") or fidgeting in class or at a meeting.

The book takes various ideas from the quality movement in industry and illustrates or suggests their application in personal processes.

I am sure that the very idea of this will upset some folks. They probably aren't going to be persuaded. But, if, like me, you are skeptical of most over-blown self-help books and courses, this modest, semi-scientific approach may be just the ticket for demonstrable, lasting self-improvement.

If it was good enough for Ben Franklin, ....

This is a life-changing guide to quality in simple relatable terms. I always thought Quality was an enterprise thing and it didn't relate to me, the individual. It has helped me address everything from responding to requests on time to routine exercise and weight control. A must read for anyone who believes in quality principles. Everyone talks quality but to apply it personally is to truly understand the word.

Annie Besant,as always,writes in clear,inspirational language. This book explains the need for self-mastery and how to achieve it through control of our thinking. A MUST for sincere spiritual seekers. This a book to read and re-read,so packed is it with true wisdom.

Annie Besant is an inspiration. She writes cogently and cohesively in an easy to read manner about a subject we all seem to need - self-mastery. It can be done - we are what we think about. This is an excellent book for anyone dedicated to the spiritual path and the discipline it requires.

This book has been a favorite for twenty-five years. It's been around a long time but it's message is still relavent to out times.

I had the honor of taking a leadership class with Sarah Weddington where this book was used as a main text. The story of this accomplished woman bears testament to the changes fought for and won by women in the second wave of feminsim, both in the state of Texas and in the Nation.

Prior to reading this book, I knew that Roe vs. Wade originated in Texas, but I never actually understood how much things changed for women of my generation. Both women and men alike will marvel at the antiquated norms Weddington faced as a young woman and how she ultimately overcame them. For all of the frustrations I presently voice about the status of women in the world, I am not at all certain I would have her personal courage when faced with such overwhelming sexism.

As a Texas state legislator, she was responsible for an equal credit act, a rape reform bill (co-sponsored with another new female representative named Kathryn Bailey) and the state's Equal Rights Amendment. To realize that one woman had accomplished all of this is simply amazing and inspiring.

Although there is not as much White House era musings as I would have prefered, the fact that she got in when few presidents of either party appointed large numbers of women is really signifigant. Not satified with her own personal triumph, she then worked to ensure that future generations would not have the same hardship. Working alongside Midge Constanoza, Weddington used her position to encourage more women to get involved in policymaking.

Also heartening is Weddington's inclusion of steps to protect reproductive choice at the book's end.Unlike some other books on reproductive rights, the message comes in loud and clear: Defend choice every day and without compromise. The battles may be long and weary, but the nation cannot afford to abandon the 30 year old (at least in spirit) promise of women's bodily autonomy.

Even though the original version of the book was released during the 1992 elections, it is a message that bears repeating in every presidential campaign. Vote pro-choice and vote often to protect women's right to life.

This outstanding book offers an excellent perspective into the life of one of America's most important female attorneys. Regardless of one's political views on abortion, "pro-life" and "pro-choice" advocates alike can agree that Sara Weddington's critical role in this monumental turning point in U.S. abortion rights history serves as an important lesson on the development and evolution of leadership roles for, and the civil rights of, women. This book is for men just as much as it is for women. Men will gain an invaluable insight into their counterparts by adding significantly to their understanding of women. This book is a "must read" for any person of any political persuasion who wishes to add to their comprehension of the question of abortion, the rights of women, and the evolution of the leadership roles assumed by women.

Weddington's piece is not just about the culmination of Roe vs. Wade and beyond, but a heartfelt autobiography that helps readers understand and appreciate the challenges of women in the that time period. Readers can gain leadership secrets from the experiences of Weddington from Roe to her work in the White House.

As a young woman, it helped me understand how far women have come in the past century and be more thankful of women leaders, like Sarah Weddington.

This is a must have for all team leaders - very useful in any case (not especially Six Sigma related).

A fantastic Pocket Guide for all members of any kind of Team, not just Six Sigma Teams.

My comments on this pocket guide are the same as those on the other two created by Rath & Strong, except that this pocket guide is probably the one to purchase in bulk quantity so that copies can be distrbuted among everyone directly involved with process improvement initiatives. Thus far, a substantial majority of Six Six programs either failed or fell far short of expectations. Why? Lots of reasons but one of the major ones is dysfunctional teamwork. Hence the special importance of this pocket guide.

Although Rath and Strong do indeed provide a wealth of information about Six Sigma, their "pocket guide" can be of substantial value to all organizations (regardless of size or nature) which need to simplify, thereby improve the process by which they produce whatever they offer for sale. Products, of course, but also professional services (e.g. legal, accounting, management consulting), memberships (e.g. healthcare providers as well as trade and professional associations such as chambers of commerce), and charitable support (e.g. non profit, tax exempt 501 (c) 3 organizations such as college and universities). Chapter One introduces the book's core concept, DMAIC, an acronym for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. A chapter is then devoted to each of the five separate but related process components. Rath and Strong explain how this process will guide and inform efforts to increase the ROI of resources to achieve whatever the desired objectives may be. One of this guide's greatest benefits is its ease of use: It can easily be carried within an attaché case, coat pocket, or purse, always available for direct and immediate access whenever needed. Now more than ever before, decision-makers are under great pressure to produce more and better results in less time, and with fewer resources. Hence the importance of improving first pass yield and cycle time, for example. Hence the importance, also, of enabling everyone within a given organization to understand how and why her or his efforts can -- and should -- contribute to the organization's operational excellence. For most executives, Rath and Strong offer a concise, easy-to-access, and well-written source of guidance to effectively defining, measuring, analyzing, improving, and controlling various stages of production of ideas as well as products and services.

Lots of different types of delicous recipes to chose from. Love this book.

I am not a recipe book person, generally because so many recipe book are just so darn annoying, with obscure ingredients and long involved prep times (with apologies to Rachel Ray - I have not read your books). This book, which my husband received from his mother years ago and never used (one instance for which I am grateful that he doesn't throw anything away), is terrific. The recipes are easy, tasty and healthy with no outlandish ingredients requiring specialty markets or unusual cookware. The recipes are divided into sections by type of recipe (oultry, seafood, veggies etc) and has some lovely pictures to go along. I am, in fact, making the Fish Rarebit tonight; ten minutes prep time, 15 minutes cook time.

This is the first time I've found easy to make, tasty low fat recipes! I wouldn't part with mine for the world!

Finally, a refreshingly honest approach to CMMI and process improvement. Michael has an uncanny ability to see into the heart of organizational psychology and points out the real reasons for attempting any improvement or organizational change. He strips away the hype surrounding CMMI and focuses on what's really important...obtaining results and improving the bottom line. It might be considered contrarian or even heretical by those making a living by selling CMMI, but I call it practical, gutsy and honest. A must read by any organization considering change regardless of the model chosen.

If you're expecting a book that shows how to implement the CMMI, or even one that gushes about its benefits you're in for a surprise. Yes, this book does show how to achieve process improvement by using the CMMI as a model, but it differs greatly from the recipe approaches of similar books that will have you marching over a cliff instead of improving your organization. The author does this by uncovering fallacies and the blind paths the CMMI (or any process improvement initiative) represents.

Here's what to expect from this book, and why you should read it cover-to-cover before embarking on a CMMI implementation or other process improvement initiative. How to spot and avoid common pitfalls such as:

- focusing on the process instead of the benefits, which of course, can be counterproductive when the process itself is applied blindly and without regard for real efficiency.

- avoiding the 'when all you have is a hammer everything looks like a nail' effect; i.e., attempting to apply the CMMI to everything

- mis-diagnosing problems with the process and applying the wrong solution; for example, scope creep in a project causes a reaction that often results in claims that the requirements management process is broken when the real problem is a lack of discipline or standards (not the same as a process)

Besides showing what does not work, and forcing you to look at your real goals before embarking on a CMMI implementation or process improvement initiative, the author leads you through a realistic appraisal of your goals and objectives, and shows you how to accomplish them. He is a strong proponent of using a systems view, and shows how to apply systems thinking principles to achieving your goals and objectives. This is the real value of this book, and why it's a sanity check for any organization that is about to embark on any improvement initiative.

Of course, if you are going to implement the CMMI, in whole or relevant parts to improve your capability, this book provides a clear roadmap for doing just that. Do not let my previous remarks lead you to believe that this book is anti-CMMI because it's not. It's merely anti-unrealism.

Regardless of your end goals, much of the material in this book applies to any activity, from strategic planning to process improvement to embracing a methodology. It's one of the best books I've read, and one that anyone contemplating CMMI should read before they read anything else about that model.

I bought this book because my Company is thinking about getting into CMMI. I realized that this book is a common sense approach to process improvement. I was skeptic about CMMI and the way that other companies implement it. This book makes you keep your feet on the ground. It is an imparcial approach to a difficult task. You may save yourself a lot of money just by following the guidelines recommended by the author. In my case, I used some of the recommendations in my own process, because common sense is applicable everywhere.

I have to give it to this author, he has a very high assumption of math. If you are not a math wiz but can comprehend Calculus, this book is beyond outstanding. I will give the reader the necessary math methods for achieving you reliability analysis correctly. I spent alot of time going through these calcs and doing the proofs they are with out a dought right on the money. The boo is packed full of wonderful examples and methods. Kudos to the author.

This is THE seminal text on reliability analysis. The author writes with the same crystal clarity he uses to present material at technical conferences. The exercises are carefully graded to lead the diligent reader toward steadily deepening understanding of the material. All diagrams are clear, cogent, carefully annotated, and well keyed to accompanying text. The definition and explanations of cut sets are especially good, allowing the engineer or analyst to economically reduce a complex problem to a set of smaller, more mathematically tractable problems. Also, this work does an excellent job of ramping the reader's knowledge upward from the justifiably assumes prerequisite of basic statistics learned in one introductory class presumably having a calculus prerequisite.

This is definitely the best text on Reliability Engineering that I've seen. Leemis really brings the material to life in a way that I have not seen replicated in the other texts that I have perused. For a first introduction to Reliability, I cannot think of a better text. The reader should have a solid foundation in mathematical statistics, however, before starting on this volume. An adequate resource for building this foundation is Larson and Marx's "Introduction to Mathematical Statistics". Especially make sure you understand the basics of maximum-likelihood, as Leemis emphasizes it in his derivations -- the more advanced stuff you'll learn about in his book, however.

As an aside, I have actually taken Leemis' class, and I can honestly say that I learned more about probability from his lectures and the text than I ever previously thought possible. Again, I highly recommend the text.

Excellent book. Clearly written. Explains the actual value of RFID and gives numerous real word examples from really companies. Cuts through the fantasy of what RFID can do and actually shows how a company can really use RFID to further their business goals.

Excellent book, quick read. Mr. Henrich identifies the business context for investing in RFID and why it is important. His vision of "real world awareness" should be discussed in every corporate boardroom.

Very good book. Highly recommend to read for the person who want to seek the deep understanding of RFID technology and its application.

Living near the Mississippi river made this particularly interesting. However, it is a good read in itself, while presenting a part of history that Gen X'rs and younger never heard about.

This is really several fine books in one, telling the story of two rampant egoists of the 19th century abd their quarrel over the control of the Mississsippi, the story of the Percy family and the Mississippi delta, the flood of 1927, the rescue effort, the betrayal of the blacks, the "rescue" of New Orleans at the expense of its neighbors, the impact on our politics and on the career of Herbert Hoover. This is a kind of history that is seldom written, telling of a period usually glossed over as the jazz age.

John Barry clearly did his homework. A flood from over 80 years ago is ancient history to most people, but Barry makes the people in the book come alive. He's not afraid to provide well-supported opinions about the people at the helm (such as Herbert Hoover) and their character flaws. As a result, it's not so much a book about a flood as much as a book about the people dealing with the flood. From New Orleans to Baton Rouge to the heart of the Mississippi delta to Washington DC.

Sure, the book is about a huge, continent-changing flood of almost Biblical proportions. But it's also about the US Army Corps of Engineers and all of the events leading up to the flood.

Well written, excellent character studies, strong and clearly documented summations. Now I better understand why New Orleans isn't the powerhouse it once was. Now I better understand Calvin Coolidge and Herbert Hoover. Now I better understand the Mississippi delta, race relations of the era, southern politics in the early 1900's and the early Corps of Engineers.

And oh yes, Old Man River.